A Canadian Entrepreneur Shares Do’s & Don’ts For Starting Your Small Business From Home

Planning on starting your own small business from home anytime soon? If the answer is yes, then you've come to the right place.  

That's because we have all the details on how to set yourself up for success, thanks to a Canadian entrepreneur's advice.

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Amber Mac, a Canadian businesswoman, tech expert and television personality who knows the ins and outs of the business world, spoke to Narcity about all the ways you can get your business off the ground.

Whether it's a side hustle or a full-fledged business plan, we've got you covered. 

Get creative with your working space 

Mac told Narcity that creating a friendly office space is a good place to start.

"Let’s face it, working remotely is one trend that is going to stick with us for years to come, so it’s a good idea to settle into your home office," she said.

According to Mac, putting together a "Zoom-friendly" space is one way to go in order to ensure you have the right setup.

She said that having the right audio and possibly a ring light can really do the trick in making you look more professional.

Mac also recommends using technology to keep track of your business documents and receipts for taxes.

She said using software apps could really help keep you organized.

Build healthy relationships with clients and yourself  

Making connections online is currently your best bet as in-person networking is on hold, and Mac believes that social media makes it easier to "build relationships and trust."

"In addition to building business relationships, social media is more important than ever before to stay top-of-mind for your existing and potential audiences," she said.  

However, it's the relationship you have with yourself that matters the most. It's important to stay healthy while working remotely, explained the entrepreneur.

"It’s critical for entrepreneurs to take care of their mental and physical health while at home. Whether it’s using an app to meditate or a stand-up desk to avoid sitting too long, or virtual exercise classes to get moving, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy if you carve out time in your day for these mini breaks." 

Don’t underinvest in your business or be afraid to ask for help

According to Mac, it's important to invest in good tech in order to grow your business and give your service or product a fighting chance at succeeding.

She said that finding the equipment you need, whether it is hardware or software, at a discount is not always the wisest choice. Instead, Mac says the smart choice is investing in brands that "you can trust for long-lasting use and maximum value."

In keeping with the idea of investing in yourself, Mac highlighted the importance of asking for help when needed.

"Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to scale your business on your own," she said. "When the time is right, look for opportunities to get help."